Rep. Michael McCaul, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Sen. Bill Hagerty
Feb 9, 2025
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Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican Congressman and former chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, joins fellow Congress members Ilhan Omar and Bill Hagerty. They dive into President Trump's ongoing policy shifts, the confusion stemming from his bureaucratic overhaul, and its influence on law enforcement and intelligence. The trio discusses the dire need for effective U.S. foreign aid amid humanitarian crises, revealing complexities in managing aid delivery and the potential repercussions of cutting support to vulnerable nations.
President Trump's approval ratings have increased, reflecting public support for his campaign promises, particularly surrounding border security and deportation policies.
There is rising concern over the impact of reduced U.S. aid and bureaucratic changes on global humanitarian efforts and public service stability, highlighting the need for clearer communication on their benefits.
Deep dives
President Trump's Approval Ratings
Approximately three weeks into President Trump’s second term, his approval ratings have increased to 53%, surpassing previous numbers from his first term. A CBS poll indicates that 70% of those surveyed believe he is fulfilling his campaign promises. Notably, his policies on deportation and border security are still received favorably, reflecting continuity with his campaign platform. However, opinions are mixed regarding certain proposals, like U.S. involvement in Gaza, which some constituents view as potentially problematic.
USAID Under Scrutiny
There is significant confusion regarding U.S. aid, particularly with the Department of State's handling of humanitarian assistance in response to food shortages in the U.S. and abroad. A substantial amount of food aid has been reported as sitting at U.S. ports due to a lack of available workers. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of the administration’s new policies and whether cutting personnel might jeopardize critical aid missions. The debate highlights the historical importance of USAID, created to strengthen U.S. leverage globally, which is now facing calls for significant reform.
Bureaucratic Changes and Their Consequences
President Trump’s bureaucratic restructuring has led to tens of thousands of federal workers accepting buyouts, inciting concerns about government efficiency. Lawmakers are divided on the motives behind the revamp; some view it as an essential correction of bureaucracy while others express worry it could lead to a depletion of needed expertise. Many agencies are now required to undergo reviews to determine their actual staffing needs in light of these changes. Alongside these discussions, there’s apprehension about the impact on public service stability amid external threats.
Public Sentiment on Foreign Aid
Public support for foreign aid is waning, with surveys indicating a growing desire among Americans to cut such expenses. This decline signals a communication gap regarding the benefits of aid—many people perceive it as funds sent abroad rather than understanding its role in promoting U.S. interests and stability. Lawmakers are now challenged to effectively articulate the importance of these programs to maintain both public support and congressional backing. The reality of asset allocation in this context is critical, as aid and assistance often represent a fraction of overall federal expenditure but serve pivotal roles in international relations.
This week on Face the Nation President Trump continues to make good on his campaign pledges. What do Americans think of the Trump 2.0 policies and Mr. Trump's performance as president so far? We’ll break down our new CBS News poll with Anthony Salvanto, CBS News' executive director of elections and surveys. As Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency squad continue their sweep through federal agencies, President Trump says they're doing so at his insistence, and that there's more to come. But that revamp is leading to confusion and the consequences are spreading across the country, and around the world.
How could the president's bureaucratic shake-up impact America's law enforcement, homeland security, and intelligence capabilities? Plus, what's the impact of cutting U.S. aid to the countries that need it the most? We'll talk with Texas Republican Congressman Michael McCaul and Minnesota Democrat Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Tennessee Republican Senator Bill Hagerty also weighs in.